NRL TOMORROW : MAGIC ROUND REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v WESTS TIGERS

Round 11 SUNCORP STADIUM BRISBANE SUNDAY MAY 18th

Dolphins vs. Tigers: Magic Round 2024 Showdown Preview

The final game of Magic Round 2024 will feature the Tigers taking on the top-four positioned Dolphins.

Tigers Face Uphill Battle Against In-Form Dolphins

Wests will need more than party tricks to outshine an in-form Dolphins side, who will be welcoming back one of their stars just in time. Despite a spirited performance in the last round, Wests fell short against the Newcastle Knights in Tamworth, losing 20-14.

Concerns Mount for Tigers’ Defence

Coach Benji Marshall was still proud of his team’s resilience. He was pleased that a major reshuffle, necessitated by an injury to Stafford T’oa, kept the Tigers competitive. Benji even believed the game was within their grasp, but they faltered in crucial moments. Their right edge defense, in particular, was a notable weakness.

Injury Woes for Tigers Ahead of Clash

Bradman Best dominated Wests’ right edge, and with another quick, powerful center lined up for this coming round, the Tigers’ coaching staff have cause for concern.

Josh Papali’i played a standout game and looked comfortable in the number 13 jersey. However, he will miss this match due to a one-game suspension for a grade 2 Dangerous Contact, resulting from a rash decision to trip Leo Thompson in the last round.

Stafford T’oa suffered a hamstring injury early in the last game and will likely be sidelined for a few weeks. Adding to their woes, John Bateman will be out for at least the next game with a pectoral injury.

Dolphins Maintain Winning Streak Despite Challenges

The Dolphins are coming in hot after another win last week, taking it to the Manly Sea Eagles at Suncorp last round. Coach Wayne Bennett was pleased with the win, despite describing it as an ugly game. The teams were fairly evenly matched overall, but the Dolphins have consistently shown extra grit and fitness, allowing them to stay competitive until the end and secure back-to-back victories.

Wayne Bennett’s reflection on their struggles this time last year highlights the payoff of their hard work. Despite the game’s ugliness, Trai Fuller injected excitement with an inspiring performance, rebounding from a tough time under the high ball in the previous round. However, with the return of the dynamic player Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Fuller finds himself relegated to the reserves.

Bromwich Steps Up for Dolphins

Kenny Bromwich will step into the starting lineup as Max Plath rests following a head knock in the last round.

Dolphins Eyeing Strong Start Against Tigers

Having surrendered two-try leads in their past four games, the Dolphins understand the importance of a quick start if they aim to maintain their strong form against the Wests Tigers on Sunday.

Dolphins’ First-Half Struggles a Cause for Concern

Wayne Bennett’s team enters the match against the Tigers with three wins in their last four games but has consistently trailed in the first halves of those encounters.

Dolphins’ Rally Falls Short Against Knights

They found themselves behind by 12 points against the Sea Eagles, 10 points against the Cowboys, and eight points against the Eels in recent matches. Despite these deficits, they rallied stronger in the second halves of each game. However, in Round 8 against the Knights, they fell just short of bridging a 12-point gap, ultimately losing 18-14.

Tigers.

1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Brent Naden 4. Justin Olam 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Fonua Pole 16. Asu Kepaoa 17. Sione Fainu 18. Tallyn Da Silva 19. Solomona Faataape 20. Alexander Lobb 21. Kit Laulilii 22. Tony Sukkar

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Ray Stone 17. Connelly Lemuelu 18. Trai Fuller 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jarrod Wallace 21. Edrick Lee 22. Oryn Keeley

Referees: Chris Butler; Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Todd Smith; Bunker, Dumb Dumb Badger

Prediction

The Dolphins are clicking, and Bennett has got the boys jumping through hoops to the accolades of their fanbase. With momentum on their side, the support of the home crowd, and the evident struggles within Wests’ attack, it seems there can be only one outcome to conclude the Magic Round.